CMBA Player Spotlight: Ellen Tiessen
Ellen Tiessen
Ambrose 2020-2021 Player Profiles
Past CMBA League: CMBA Diamond League
Current School: Ambrose University
Accolades: Division 1 2x City Champions, 4A Provincial Champion.
Current Activities/Hobbies: Basketball, Camping, Being Outside, Spending time with friends & family.
Questions with Ambrose University player Ellen Tiessen:
Q: Who is your favourite basketball player?
A: Damien Lillard. I really admire his work ethic and the way he leads his team by example. He is a very dependable and consistent teammate.
Q: Which basketball team do you root for?
A: Portland Trail Blazers. I grew up a raptors fan but once I started following basketball more closely I started cheering for my favourite players.
Q: Who has the best basketball uniforms of any college or pro team you like?
A: Golden State City Jersey.
Q: What is your favourite basketball movie?
A: My favourite basketball movie would have to be Coach Carter because I grew up watching it with my siblings.
Q: What is your favourite candy?
A: I don’t really like candy but I’m a big popcorn fan (specifically sweet and salty boom chicka pop)
Q: What is your favourite ice cream?
A: Anything fiasco gelato
Q: Do you have a hobby?
A: I used to play volleyball so I still really enjoy it. It can be played on the beach and I’m a big supporter of warm weather.
Q: Do you have a favourite pregame meal before you play a basketball game?
A: Depending on what time the game is at I’ll eat something like avocado toast as it’s pretty filling.
Q: What is your favourite basketball play?
A: I think it would have to be a 3 or a dunk (if I could hahah) because they really impact the momentum of the game and get the crowd engaged.
Q: What do you love most about the game of basketball?
A: I think it would have to be all of the memories I’ve created with teammates over the years. I love the team aspect as well as the multiple skill elements that exist within the game.
Q: Do you have a favourite memory from when you played in the CMBA?
A: I think the opportunity to play with girls that I’ve grown up playing against was a really neat experience.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you received from a coach?
A: The best advice I ever received from a coach is how every time you are on the court you have an opportunity to impact every single play. You constantly have to adopt the “next play” mentality. Regardless of whether you did something good or made a mistake you constantly have to be focusing on the next play.
Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to younger players?
A: Continue to work hard and have a great attitude. Focusing on things you can control are what can get you the furthest... and don’t forget to have fun.
Q: What basketball skill is your greatest strength?
A: Passing!!
Q: What was your biggest failure or adversity you have faced in the game, and how did you over come it?
A: Throughout my basketball career I have dealt with a ton of injuries. I think trying to keep a positive mindset and working on things that my injury would still allow me to was the only way I could overcome it. These injuries helped me become a better teammate as my role in practices and on the bench during games had to change.
Q: Are you a vocal leader on the court or do you lead by example? Or both?
A: I would say that I typically would lead by example but more recently I have tried to become a more vocal leader.
Q: How do you find positive ways to communicate with your teammates? To build team culture.
A: I aim to be very encouraging and vocal by constantly talking to my teammates throughout practice. I also try to be very engaged and vocal when I am on the bench.
Q: What is something interesting about you that no one really knows?
I am the worlds pickiest eater. My favourite food is popcorn and I will forever stand by that statement.
Q: What is your favourite class or subject in University?
A: Philosophy of Law! I find it super interesting as it directly relates to what I want to do in the future.
Q: What are your plans after you graduate?
A: I am hoping to go to law school to become a lawyer, but that is still a long ways away.
Q: How are you training during the Covid-19 pandemic? To prepare for the next season.
A: I have been working through different training programs that we have been given to try and get my heart rate up daily. I have also been trying to rehab nagging injuries so that I will be in full health for the next season!!
